Alfred, NY- The Alfred State women's lacrosse team took a tough loss in their Alfred Cup matchup with Alfred University, 9-6. The Pioneers fall to 5-2 on the season. 
 
Katerina Strong recorded a hat trick, scoring all three of her shots on goal. Karlee Hargather tallied one goal and one assist, along with four draw controls, and four ground balls.  Alaina Gernatt scored while aiding with five draw controls. 
 
The Pioneers couldn't get on the score sheet early as the Saxons started off hot in the first quarter scoring the only goals of the game, taking a 3-0 into the second frame. AU added another to start the second quarter, two minutes in. ASC broke their drought with 8:07 left in the half as Strong scored on the man-up and repeated a minute later to cut the lead in half, 4-2. Despite the momentum, Alfred University was able to net a goal with nine seconds remaining to give them a 5-2 advantage at halftime. 
 
The third quarter was all Saxons, as they went on a four-goal run, shutting down the Pioneers offense. Alfred State found themselves in a 9-2 hole heading into the fourth. ASC didn't give up, as Strong added a man-up free position goal with 12:26 to go. Hargather scored a little over a minute later, taking advantage of another man up opportunity, making it 9-4. Gernatt and Regan Curabba scored within the last five minutes, but it was too little too late as the Saxons took the victory 9-6. 
 
The Pioneers look to bounce back as they host West Virginia Wesleyan on Saturday, March 21^st for a 1pm start.